Beverly "Becky" Riley Ulmer

Beverly “Becky” Jean Ulmer, 88, widow of Jacob S Ulmer, Jr passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025. Becky was born June 30, 1937, in Columbia, SC. She was the daughter of the late Marion Rhett Rily, Sr, and Ellen Bellinger Riley of St Matthews, SC.

Becky lived her life rooted in faith, family, and deep devotion to her community. Becky attended St Matthews High School and Columbia College where she received her undergraduate degree in library sciences ultimately achieving double master’s degrees from The University of South Carolina. She married her high school sweetheart Jacob S Ulmer Jr. As a young librarian, Becky headed up the Orangeburg County Library in Orangeburg, SC, where she lived with her husband who was a pharmacist and a member of the SC Air National Guard. After some time, she and her husband moved to Elloree where they opened the Elloree Pharmacy now Delta Pharmacy. After settling in the Elloree Community, they built their home and raised their son Michael.

For over thirty years, Becky devoted herself to educating the community through library sciences and countless projects in research for the communities of Sandy Run, St Matthews, and Elloree. Becky worked in both public and private schools. She had a natural gift for connecting with her peers and students. As a member of the First Baptist Church of Elloree, Becky taught Sunday School to various age groups and was a member of the church choir.

Becky was an advocate for stray animals supporting the SPCA through countless rescues across the midlands of South Carolina. Becky and her husband were founding members of the Elloree Heritage Museum. She enjoyed giving lectures on various subjects within her communities, especially with the museum in Elloree. Becky was an avid reader and storyteller and had a talent for bringing the story to life.

Above all, Becky was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother. She never missed a sporting event or school function and loved being present in her family’s lives. Becky also loved attending USC football and basketball games with her family.

Becky is survived by her son, Michael S Ulmer and his wife Elia of Elloree, her grandchildren, Morgan Leahann Ulmer of Florence, Jacob Michael Ulmer, (Alexis) of Fort Lauderdale, and Grant Marion Ulmer of Florence. Her sister Pamela Riley Livingston (the late Steve Livingston) of St Matthews, her brother Marion Rhett (Dianne) Riley Jr. of Eutawville, and well as loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Becky was preceded in death by her husband and her parents.

The family will receive friends at the fellowship hall located at the First Baptist Church of Elloree SC 6216 Old Number Six Hwy, Elloree, SC, 29047 on Sunday, July 27 from 3:30 to 5:30. A service to celebrate Beverly’s life will be held at First Baptist Church of Elloree on Monday, July 28 ,2025 at 10:00 am with the burial to follow in The Santee Cemetery in Elloree.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Magnolias of Santee and Edisto Home Care and Hospice services for their kindness and compassion.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Elloree 6216 Old Number Six Hwy, Elloree, SC, 29047 and the Elloree Heritage Museum 2714 W Cleveland St, Elloree, SC 29047 or a charity of your choosing.

“Her wit warmed every room, her lessons molded countless lives, and her love will echo through generations.”

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434